Louisville continues South Florida pipeline

SAN ANTONIO - U.S. Army All-American linebacker Keith Brown became the first commitment in the 2012 class for his hometown school, Miami, back in September of his junior year.

The 6-1, 225-pound Brown stayed committed to the Hurricanes for nearly 15 months before switching his commitment to Illinois in November, but 11 days after making the change the Illini dismissed head coach Ron Zook.

While Brown had several reasons for committing to the Illini, Zook was a major factor and with him out of the picture it seemed only a matter of time before the four-star prospect would rescind that pledge.

Brown officially decommitted from the Illini earlier this week in preparation for announcing his selection during the telecast of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. They remained in his top three along with Miami, which had made another late run at the Miami Norland High standout.

But in the end it was a Louisville hat that graced his head during his live announcement on national television.

"I'm taking my talents to the University of Louisville," Brown announced.

Louisville hosted Brown for an official visit the weekend of Dec. 16. His hosts on that trip were several Miami-area transplants, including quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Eli Rogers, who were important pieces of the Cardinals' offense this past fall. Seeing fellow Miamians have success at Louisville gave Brown the confidence that he could do it as well.

"That trip was a good visit because I know a couple players up there," Brown said. "I liked the all-black coaching staff up there, and that played a major role."